Many people have heard of hernias, but few realize that even a painless hernia can become a serious issue if left untreated. To help raise awareness and encourage timely evaluation, we spoke with Sruti Patel, M.D., a board‑certified general surgeon at Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center, who answered some of the most frequently asked questions about hernias.
What is a hernia?
A hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscle layer that normally keeps abdominal organs in place. When pressure builds inside the abdomen, tissue such as the intestines can push through this opening.
Everyday actions like coughing, laughing, straining during bowel movements, or even bending can increase abdominal pressure. Sometimes the bulge caused by a hernia may appear and disappear depending on that pressure. Even if the bulge goes away, the underlying issue is still present and should be evaluated promptly.
Because many hernias don’t cause pain, people often ignore them. Dr. Patel stresses that “any suspected hernia should be checked, even if it’s not uncomfortable.”
Are there different types of hernias?
Yes—many. Some people are born with hernias, while others develop them over time.
- Umbilical hernias: These occur at the belly button and may appear as an outward bulge or an “outie.” Some individuals are born with this small opening and don’t notice it enlarging until adulthood. It commonly becomes more noticeable during pregnancy.
- Inguinal (groin) hernias: Among the most common types, these develop in an area that naturally has a small anatomical opening. Increased pressure can widen the space and allow tissue to protrude.
Are hernias more common in men or women?
Inguinal hernias are significantly more common in men, largely due to differences in anatomy. Men naturally have a small opening in the groin muscles that allows blood vessels to reach the testicles.
Occupational factors also play a role. Jobs involving heavy lifting carry a higher risk, while sedentary work tends to pose less risk.
Are hernias hereditary?
Hernias themselves are not inherited, though certain types appear early in life and may give the impression of being hereditary.
- Umbilical hernias in children happen when abdominal contents push through the belly button. They are usually painless and often close on their own by age 4 or 5.
- Inguinal hernias in infants may occur when a small opening in the abdomen fails to close fully before birth.
Parents who notice a bulge in their child’s belly button or groin should contact their pediatrician for evaluation.
Can hernias cause constipation or diarrhea?
Depending on the type and severity of the hernia, they can. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits may signal a strangulated hernia, a dangerous condition where the trapped tissue loses blood supply. Without treatment, this can lead to infection, sepsis, or even death.
Dr. Patel emphasizes “Any hernia has the potential to become a medical emergency, so early diagnosis is important.”
How are hernias treated?
Most hernias can be diagnosed during a physical exam. If needed, your doctor may order a CT scan to better understand the size and location.
Today, many hernias are repaired using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which typically requires only 2–3 tiny incisions. These procedures usually take 30–60 minutes, and most patients go home the same day. Recovery is generally quick, with many people resuming normal activity within a few days.
Can a hernia come back after surgery?
Modern surgical techniques have greatly reduced recurrence rates. While hernias once had a 10–15% chance of returning, today recurrence is closer to 1–2%. However, certain factors increase risk, including:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- High BMI
- Poor wound healing
- Smoking
Dr. Patel advises patients to follow postoperative instructions closely to reduce the risk of recurrence. If you think you may have a hernia, don’t delay, contact your primary care physician for an exam.
To learn about signs and symptoms of a hernia and to find a primary care provider near you visit https://pascackmedicalcenter.com/services/primary-care/.
If you have questions about surgical services at Pascack Valley Medical Center, please visit https://pascackmedicalcenter.com/services/surgery/.